Quantum Repeater Node Architecture for Entanglement Swapping Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantum communications systems using quantum repeaters face efficiency losses due to difficulties in simultaneously receiving and releasing photons, leading to increased attenuation and 'quantum repeater dead time', which limits the length and efficiency of entanglement swapping.

Innovation Solution

A quantum communications system with multiple quantum repeaters positioned at a repeater node, each optically coupled to multiple channel switches, allowing received photon pulse sequences to be sequentially divided and directed into different repeaters, enabling continuous operation and backward emission of stored photons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single quantum repeater is used to receive and release photons, then the system structure is simple, but quantum repeater dead time increases and entanglement efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeater structureVSAvoidentanglement swapping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single quantum repeater into multiple independent quantum repeaters (first quantum repeater and second quantum repeater) positioned at the same repeater node. Each repeater has its own quantum memory and optical coupling, allowing parallel operation where one repeater receives photons while another performs measurements, thereby eliminating dead time and improving entanglement swapping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If quantum repeaters operate sequentially to receive and release photons, then the system operation is simple, but loss of time increases due to quantum repeater dead time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeater operationVSAvoidquantum repeater dead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation by having multiple quantum repeaters work in parallel. While the first quantum repeater is releasing stored photons for measurement, the second quantum repeater simultaneously receives new photons. This continuous operation eliminates idle dead time periods, maintaining useful action throughout the system without complicating the operational sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If photon sources are directly coupled to quantum memories, then the optical coupling is simple, but adaptability decreases when needing to switch between different repeaters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical coupling structureVSAvoidrepeater switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces channel switches as intermediary components between photon sources and quantum memories. These switches enable flexible routing of photons to different quantum repeaters and their corresponding memories. The intermediary switches add minimal optical coupling complexity while providing full adaptability to direct photons from any source to any repeater as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces or eliminates quantum repeater dead time and enhances entanglement efficiency by allowing one repeater to receive photons while another performs measurements, facilitating continuous operation and increased entanglement swapping efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first sub-channel extends between and optically couples the first channel switch and the first quantum memory of the first quantum repeater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

quantum repeaters may be used to entangle photons (often referred to as entanglement swapping), and communicate this entanglement over increased distances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntanglement swapping:

Implementation Method 3

each having a first quantum memory and a second quantum memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoton absorption and storage: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11621785B2Quantum communications systems comprising multiple-channel quantum repeaters

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 CORNING INC

AI summary

A quantum communications system includes a first quantum repeater and a second quantum repeater each positioned at a repeater node and each having a first quantum memory and a second quantum memory. A first channel switch is optically coupled to the first quantum repeater and a second channel switch is optically coupled to the second quantum repeater. Further, a first sub-channel extends between and optically couples the first channel switch and the first quantum memory of the first quantum repeater, a second sub-channel extends between and optically couples the first channel switch and the first quantum memory of the second quantum repeater, a third sub-channel extends between and optically couples the second channel switch and the second quantum memory of the first quantum repeater, and a fourth sub-channel extends between and optically couples the second channel switch and the second quantum memory of the second quantum repeater.